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Tumour remissions 4.1
The regression of tumours or metastases can be classified into 4 categories, based on
documented observations of the course of disease. (1) Remission: Cases where a tumour could
not be found at the localisation of the primary tumour at least twice, or the disappearance of
distant metastases. (2) Uncertain remission: Cases where a tumour could not be found at the
localisation of the primary tumour once and possibly the disappearance of distant metastases.
(3) Regression: Cases where regression of the primary tumour could be documented,
independent of the development of distant metastases, without a previous increase in the
primary tumour. (4) Uncertain regression: Cases with regression of the primary tumour after
initial increase and cases with a documented disappearance of distant metastases with a
previous or simultaneous increase in the primary tumour.
The total remission rate of 22% (73 cases) is relatively high (see Table 4.1). A statistically
significant difference cannot be shown either between Iscador and placebo (single sided test, p
= 0.10) or between Iscador and Polyerga (single sided test, p = 0.2). However, considering the
strict conditions of the study, it is remarkable that the rate of remission was approximately a
third higher under Iscador therapy and can be interpreted as a distinct trend.
The situation is more or less the same, when the questionable category of uncertain reduction
is omitted. The difference between the three therapy groups then becomes even less.
For further results see 3.2 and 5.4.3.
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